Summer in D.C. helped local man find independence

SHERIDAN — Running copies, setting up desks, passing out bills — the Senate pages in Washington, D.C., are on their feet all day. One of the pages this year was Sheridan High School student Tyler Julian.

Julian applied for the position through a resume process and was accepted and sponsored by Sen. Mike Enzi to spend three weeks this summer in the nation’s capital. The purpose of the trip was to observe and participate in the legislative process.

Julian said SHS government teacher Tyson Emborg was influential in his application and interest.

“He sent me on the right path, I really appreciate what he did for me,” Julian said.

Emborg echoed the compliment.

“(Julian’s) an excellent student and person, and in government a combination of those two is essential to represent our state and community,” Emborg said.

Along with about 40 other pages from across the nation, Julian worked full time for the senators doing copy work and odds and ends.

“There wasn’t much time to be a tourist, but you didn’t really miss out with all the things you got to do anyways,” Julian said.

The pages were also given scheduled tours to local monuments such as Arlington National Cemetery, the National Archives, and the old Senate chambers on their time off.

“I learned a whole lot,” Julian said. “I got to see the legislative process and meet people from all over the country.”

As for the senators Julian worked for, it was all positive.

“They were all so nice and appreciative of our work,” Julian said.

While Julian stressed the experience offered many different interesting aspects, he said it was hard for him to pick a favorite part of the three weeks. He mentioned, however, that seeing being on the floor of the Senate and seeing the new immigration bill getting passed was a pivotal moment.

“I really got to see the power of the people there and how all the senators interacted with one another,” Julian said.

“He was there during a really important and interesting time with the immigration issues, (Defense of Marriage Act) ruling and voting rights ruling,” Emborg said. “It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity granted to only a few select people. To be on the threshold of history is inspiring.”

Julian added that the people he met made his experience as good as it was.

“I met so many influential people and made some close friendships with the pages I worked with,” he said.

“The connection made with other top students there, the connection with senators and other key individuals in governments — those relationships can really lead somewhere in the future,” Emborg said.

In response to how his work affected his future plans, Julian said his independence grew quickly.

“I realized there’s just so much more out there,” he sai. ”Being there I knew I would be OK on my own and I wouldn’t be uncomfortable looking at colleges farther away.”

He also added that his experience made him want to give back to his community.

“Wherever I go, when I come back I want to do something for Wyoming,” Julian said. “It was the best experience of my life. I made memories and friendships I’m going to keep.”